Am I wrong about this?

loveydad wrote: I was recently over at someone's house who has a 7 month old 13 lb baby. She was 5 lbs at birth and is just generally small (her mom is too). Well I found out that the mom regularly leaves the baby with her 9 year old brother so she can go to the store or whatever. We live in a tiny town, so I understand not being worried about predators, but c'mon! The girl I was with said "oh he'd never let anything happen to his little sister" ! That's not the point! Anything could happen! I just felt this was really innapropriate... Am I wrong?

momof2girls replied: There is no way Id leave my baby with my 9 yr old daughter, that is just crazy

anything could happen

plus I dont think the older child should have that kind of responsibilty, I would have to say that is not right!!!

paradisemommy replied: No way..not wrong at all - that lady is insane to leave her baby with her!!

amynicole21 replied: No way! I think I'd have trouble leaving my child with a 16 year old, let alone a 9 year old

Kirstenmumof3 replied: I've left Emily (9) alone with Spencer (7) and Claudia (2) a few times, but it was only for a few minutes while I ran to the corner store (5 houses down). And Claudia was asleep. I wouldn't have done this if it wasn't absolutely necessary and I definately wouldn't do this all the time. I think any longer than a few minutes is not a good idea. Anything can happen and a 9 year old isn't mature enough to handle the responsibilities. I definately don't think you are wrong on this.

Kaitlin'smom replied: hummm well my nephew just turned 10 and at 9 I think he could have handled being alone for a couple minutes with her, if she was sleeping. But no I would not leave a 9 month old alone with a 9 year old.....IMO it does depend on the 9 year old. I would choose that over leaving her alone all together, I know of a mother of 3 who would leave her daughter sleeping in the house and go across the street to a friends for a few minutes

jcc64 replied: I have a 12 yr old, hyper responsible son, and I still feel uncomfortable with the idea of leaving my 2 yr old with him. There are just so many unforeseeable variables, and should something tragic happen, I wouldn't want to lay that at his feet for the rest of his life, kwim?
I also have a 9 yr old, and the idea of leaving the baby with him is laughable. And illegal, I might add.

DansMom replied: Back in the seventies when I was a child, I babysat all the time---starting at about age 10. But the kids I babysat were toddlers and older, and the times were much different. After school for about 2 hours my sister and I were alone until my mom got home from work, and even though I managed that just fine (aside from poor eating habits going unchecked), I don't plan to leave Daniel alone at home that long when he's 9. Gosh, come to think of it, I used to make popcorn the old fashioned way (shaking a big pan full of hot oil and kernels over a piping hot stove) when I was home alone and got the munchies. Or my sister and I would make up some brownie mix, raw eggs and all, and eat the batter instead of making brownies. I shudder to think of it now!

I don't think a 9 year old should have the responsibility of watching an infant, even if he or she is mature enough to do well under normal circumstances. It's the unexpected emergency that one worries about. I do think a momentary departure by mom, to switch laundry or talk briefly to a neighbor, stuff like that, is probably okay and sometimes may be necessary. It's good for family members and siblings to learn to watch over each other in controlled ways, I think.

New Mommy replied: I think that is absolutly crazy. I culd never do that to my baby or the 9 year old. You should probably say something to her so that something doesn't happen.

jolene555 replied: montel williams did his show about this subject today. they brought up all these stories about fires and kidnapers and such. the thing that got me was that any child left alone without the supervision of someone 12 or older (i think 12 is still far too young) is neglected and can be removed by family services. i cannot imagine risking having my baby taken away for something so selfish.

RachelsMomma replied: I would never leave my baby with a 9 yo. I had a mother's helper this summer, she's 13, but I never left her alone with DD. I don't trust anyone younger than 25 with her. But that's just me.

Josie83 replied: 9 years old, that's crazy! i wouldn't leave a nine year old alone by themselves, never mind with looking after a baby. I'm sorry but I just think that's irresponsible, unless its the case of what Kirsten said and its just for a couple of minutes. What if something happened? To either of them? xx

Guest_micah replied: No, you have a right to be concerned. In my state of Minnesota, a child can stay home alone at age 10 legally, but in charge of no one else. I just two weeks ago left my two home alone for the 1st time ever & it was for only 1 1/2 hrs. They are ages 10 & 11. For sure I would never leave them yet with my 5 mo. old.
Emergencies do happen & a parent needs to think how a child would react & respond to any situation.